<p>Social business is set to gain traction among firms next year. That is according to a new report by the International Data Corporation (IDC) that predicts that social will be a top technology implemented by firms in 2014 because it offers game-changing ways to connect with clients and partners through the cloud. Midsize firms can take advantage of new offerings that can be tailored to their needs.</p><p>Social and Innovative</p><p>A recent article in CloudTimes featured a new report by IDC that listed the most innovative technologies predicted to make a difference for information and telecommunications industry firms in 2014. The use of social networks made the list. Third-platform technologies such as cloud computing and mobile are encouraging the growth of social.</p><p>According to IDC, the technologies to create social networks will be integrated at a faster rate in the next year and a half. They will be integrated with existing applications in order both to improve client loyalty and to help achieve marketing goals. IDC also pointed out that the data collected from social apps can improve product and service development. Cloud service vendors will also increasingly provide social networks as a standard offering. As a result, IT professionals can better integrate social into an information infrastructure instead of having to manage it as a separate layer.</p><p><a href="http://midsizeinsider.com/en-us/article/social-business-a-top-technology-for-20">Keep reading...</a></p>